2017 Toyota Highlander SUV unveiled ahead of 2016 New York Auto Show

The much-improved 2017 Toyota Highlander mid-size SUV will have its mask taken off on March 23 at the 2016 New York Auto Show. It now features a newly developed direct shift 8-speed automatic transmission; a new 3.5-liter Direct Injection V6 engine that helps boost its power output while improving mileage ratings; a new available Stop and Start (S&S) Engine system; Toyota Safety Sense as standard; and refreshed exterior styling.

Conventionally powered Highlanders will be available in LE, LE Plus, XLE, SE, Limited or Limited Platinum and in both front-wheel and AWD. The Highlander Hybrid, meanwhile, now has four models, after adding two new grades -- LE and XLE – to its Limited and Platinum. All Highlander Hybrid models will still be AWD.

To be featured as standard on the new 2017 Highlander is Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS), which is a new multi-feature advanced safety package that includes automated pre-collision braking. This package includes a number of state-of-the-art safety systems like Automatic High Beams, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert, Pedestrian Pre-Collision System and Pre-Collision System (with Forward Collision Warning and automatic emergency brake).

Automatic High Beam (AHB) employs a camera to detect the headlights of oncoming vehicles as well as tail lights of vehicles ahead. When other vehicles are detected, AHB would automatically switch between high beams and low beams to avoid blinding other drivers.

Lane Departure Alert (LDA), meanwhile, employs a camera to detect visible lane markings on the road. If LDA determines that the Highlander is veering off the lane, it would provide alerts to the driver and then offer steering assist to help redirect vehicle back onto its lane.

Meanwhile, the Pedestrian Pre-collision System (PCS) employs a camera and radar in order to sense objects ahead. In the event that a collision might occur, the system would warn the driver to brake with an audio and visual alert.

If the driver responds and initiates the brakes, PCS would provide extra braking force. But if the driver fails to brake accordingly, PCS automatically applies the brakes, thereby reducing vehicle speed to prevent or mitigate the collision. Blind spot monitor comes as standard on the Highlander XLE grade.

Exterior Design

The new Highlander features an exterior design that exudes both elegance and strength and comes with a more refined cabin. Both the 2017 Highlander and the 2017 Highlander Hybrid will feature new upper and lower front grille design for all grades.

To distinguish the grades from one another, each will have a different grille finish that continues into the headlamp housing. For instance, all LE, LE Plus and XLE grades will have a grille finished in silver paint.

Limited and Platinum grades will have a grilled painted in chrome finish. On the other hand, the rear taillights of the new Highlander will feature a sleeker design. Limited and Platinum models will feature a rear bumper with a chrome trim garnish.

Three new exterior colors will be added to the palette for the 2017 Highlander -- Celestial Silver Metallic, Toasted Walnut Pearl. The palette for the new SE model will feature the exclusive Salsa Red Pearl.

Interior Design

Inside, all Highlander models will now have five USB ports instead of just one, which should make device recharging more efficient. Limited Platinum models will be available with a new brown leather interior.

Limited and Limited Platinum grades allow the Highlander to carry more than six passengers by offering second-row captain’s chairs to seat seven passengers, or second-row bench seats for accommodating eight occupants.

The interior of the Highlander SE will feature black leather-trimmed seats with silver stitching and pattern seat inserts as well as well as a black front tray and matching dash and door inserts.

Powertrain

Much more important is the unit providing power for the 2017 Highlander. Gas-powered models could now be powered by the new 3.5-liter V6 Direct Injection Engine paired to a new Direct Shift 8AT that is more compact and is able to provide more transmission efficiency.

The 8AT will be featured as standard on all V6-powered Highlander gas models. On the other hand, the new 3.5-liter Direct Injection V6 Engine will come as standard on all Hybrid grades but as an option on gas models. Compared to its predecessor, the new engine offers more horsepower, better fuel efficiency, and a more direct driving feel.

Aside from the Highlander, the new 3.5-liter V6 Direct Injection Engine and new Direct Shift 8AT (automatic transmission) will also be featured in the 2017 Toyota Sienna. All Highlander V6 models -- excluding LE – will feature as standard a new Stop and Start Engine System (S&S), which enables the engine to shut off when the vehicle is on a complete stop and then restarts it as soon as the brake pedal is depressed.

This system helps save more fuel. On the other hand, Highlander 4x2 LE gas models will still be powered by a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. All Highlander Hybrid models, meanwhile, will still feature electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

For those seeking a more athletic version of the Highlander, they could avail of the new SE model that comes specified with tuned suspension for a sporty ride, 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels, and a dark paint treatment on the front grille that is now incorporated into the headlamp housings and roof rails.

Toyota will be debuting the significantly enhanced 2017 model year Highlander mid-size sport utility vehicle (SUV) on Wednesday, March 23 at the upcoming New York International Auto Show. The popular Highlander, receives an array of new and updated equipment and technology, inside and out, including a new Direct Shift 8-speed (8AT automatic transmission).

Highlander is a no-compromise mid-size three-row SUV that brings together the best in style, technology, comfort, capability, and safety. Its exterior design conveys both refinement and strength, which complements a refined interior that sets a high bar in its segment. The third- generation model, now entering its fourth year, offers room for up to eight, a choice of three powertrains and six model grades, including a new sporty SE model. The Highlander Hybrid adds two new grades, (LE and XLE) to its existing lineup of Limited and Platinum models for a total of four. All Highlander Hybrid models will continue to be all-wheel drive (AWD). The six Highlander gas models will continue to be (LE, LE Plus, XLE, SE, Limited and Limited Platinum) available in both front-wheel and AWD. It all adds up to the ideal family vehicle.Greater Level of PerformancePerformance will be enhanced in the 2017 Highlander gas models with the addition of the new Direct Shift 8AT (automatic transmission) that will be paired with a new 3.5-liter V6 Direct Injection Engine. The new transmission is more compact and will provide more transmission efficiency through its 8-speed gear range. The 8AT (Automatic Transmission) will be standard on all V6 Highlander gas models.

The new 3.5-liter Direct Injection V6 Engine will be available on all Highlander gas models and standard on all Hybrid grades. The new engine will generate significantly more horsepower, provide enhanced fuel efficiency, and deliver a more direct driving feel by expanding the lock up range.

In addition to Highlander, the new Direct Shift 8AT (automatic transmission) and 3.5-liter V6 Direct Injection Engine powertrain will be equipped in the 2017 model year Toyota Sienna van.

In an effort to help conserve fuel, Highlander V6 models (excluding LE) will come standard with a new Stop and Start Engine System (S&S). While driving the Highlander, the S&S allows the engine to shut off when the vehicle comes to a complete stop and restarts when the driver lifts their foot off of the brake pedal.

The standard powertrain on Highlander 4x2 LE gas models will remain the 2.7-liter 4- cylinder paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission. All Highlander Hybrid models will continue to receive the electronically-controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT).Updated Luxury Look and FeelThe 2017 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid will receive tasteful styling enhancements that will continue to turn heads. The changes start with a new upper and lower front grille design for all grades. Each grade will be distinguished by different grille finishes that will also carry into the headlamp housing. The grille on all LE, LE Plus and XLE grades will receive a silver painted finish, while Limited and Platinum grades will receive a painted chrome finish. From behind, the rear taillights will receive a sleeker redesign. A chrome trim garnish will also be added on the rear bumper of Limited and Platinum models.

Highlander will receive three new exterior colors, including Celestial Silver Metallic, Toasted Walnut Pearl, and, exclusively on the new SE, Salsa Red Pearl.

Interior updates include a new brown leather interior that will be available on the Limited Platinum grade. Charging personal devices will be more efficient as all Highlanders will add four USB ports for a total of five.

For those looking for a Highlander with all the bells and whistles but require added passenger seating, the premium Limited and Limited Platinum grades will offer buyers the choice of second-row captain’s chairs (providing seating for seven), or second-row bench seats that will expand capacity to eight people.

Sporty New SE GradeFor a touch of sportiness, Highlander will now be available in the new SE model. It starts on the outside with unique 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels, tuned suspension for a sportier ride, and a sporty dark paint treatment to the front grille, which is also incorporated into the headlamp housings and roof rails.

Inside, the SE will stand apart from all other Highlander models with unique black leather- trimmed seats with silver stitching and pattern seat inserts, a black front tray, and matching dash and door inserts.

The Pedestrian Pre-collision System (PCS) uses a camera and radar to detect objects ahead of the vehicle. When the system determines there is a possibility of collision it prompts the driver to brake with an audio and visual alert. If the driver notices the hazard and brakes, the system provides additional braking force. If the driver fails to brake in a set time, the system automatically applies the brakes, reducing speed in order to prevent or mitigate the collision.

Lane Departure Alert (LDA) uses a camera to detect visible lane markings. If the system determines that the vehicle is starting to deviate from the lane, LDA alerts the driver and will provide steering assist to help get the vehicle back into its lane.

Automatic High Beam (AHB) helps enhance forward visibility during nighttime driving. It uses a camera to detect the headlights of oncoming vehicles and the tail lights of vehicles ahead, and then automatically switches between high beams and low beams so as not to dazzle other drivers.

The Highlander XLE grade will also adopt blind spot monitor as standard equipment.

To help make parking easy and safe, the 2017 Highlander Limited Platinum grade will come standard with a Bird’s Eye View Camera with Perimeter Scan. This Toyota technology employs four cameras that are mounted on the front, the side mirrors and rear of the vehicle to project a panoramic view of the vehicle’s surroundings on the central touch display monitor. The system offers drivers assistance when parallel parking, and when pulling in and out of parking spaces. The Bird’s Eye View Monitor system also debuts a Toyota-first feature called Perimeter Scan, which provides a live rotating 360-degree view around the vehicle, helping the driver to see potential obstacles.

Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana (TMMI) in Princeton, Ind., which employs over 4,000 American workers, assembles all Highlanders and exports them to 12 countries.

The 2017 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid will begin arriving at Toyota showrooms in the fall of 2016.